Subaqueous tunnel construction.



PATBNTED MAR. 7, 1905.

D. D. MCBEAN N SUBAQUBOUS TUNNEL CONSTRUCTION.

ARPLIGATION FILED 0012.24, 1904.

4 SHEETS-SHEET l.

NSE

No. 784,413. PATBNTED MAN. 7, 1905. D. D. MGBBAN. SUBAQUBOUS TUNNEL CONSTRUCTION.

APPLIGATON FILED 00T. 24, 1904.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

No. 784,413. PATENTED MAR. 7, 1905. D. D. MOBEAN.

SUBAQUEOUS TUNNEL CONSTRUCTION.

APPLICATION FILED O0'1.24, 1904.

4 SHEETS--SHEBT 3.

PATENTED MAR. 7, 1905.

D. D. MoBEAN. SUBAQUEOUS TUNNEL CONSTRUCTION.

APPLICATION FILED 00T. 24, 1904.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

@VLM/Laage@ Mr/m www f NITED STATES DUNCAN D. h/ICBEAN,

Patented March 7, 1905.

OF NEWT YORK, N. Y.

SUBAQUEOUS TUNNEL CONSTRUCTION.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 784,413, dated March '7, 1905.

Application tiled October 24,1904. Serial No. 229,879.

Be it known that I, DUNCAN D. MoBeAN, of the city, county, and State of New York, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Subaqueous Tunnel Constructions, of which the following' is a specification. i

My invention relates to improvements in the construction of subaqueous tunnels; and it consists in the following-described method and features of construction.

1n constructing' a tunnel under deep navigable waters it is important to carry on the work by such a method as will otl'er the least possible temporary surface obstruction to navig'ation and will also make it possible to carry the tunnel to no greater depth than sufliees to avoid interference with vessels passing thereover. To accomplish these desired ends, successive longitudinal segments of the arch of the proposed tunnel are anchored in permanent position over the site, after which side walls of sheeting are driven progressively around the same to form therewith pneumatic chambers in and under which the subjacent material is excavated and the invert of the tunnel constructed in the excavated space.

r1`he features and method of construction are set forth in detail in the accompanying drawings, forming part of this specification, wherein Figure 1 is a cross-sectional elevation of a tunnel-rootl segment, showing its supporting and associated timber structure all in readinesst'or being' lowered to permanent position A on the toundation-piles. Fig. Q is a similar view showing the root-segment in linal position, with the sheet-piling along the sides of the same shown driven to their linal or ultimate depth, the lower dotted line marking the bottom of the proposed excavation. Fig. 3 is a similar cross-section of the completed tunnel structure, and Fig. 4 is a longitudinal section showing a roof-segment connected to the end of the completed portion of the tunnel.

In the drawings, A represents a segment of the double-walled top or arch ot' the tunnel. made up of the similar cylindrical sheet-metal segments 2 and et, preferably of sheet-steel,

interconnected by bolts 3, with a filling and outer covering or envelop ot' concrete. The various parts ot' the structure shown in Fig. 1 are assembled and erected upon a suitable floatorpontoon. (Not shown.) The segments 2 and 11 are interconnected by the bolts. 3 and further secured upon the plate `6, which is wider than the space between the segments, the inner projecting edge or flange 7serving as a support or footing for the temporary woodwork, while to the outer edge or flange 8 is connected a vertical plate 9 by means of brackets 10 and angle-irons 38. This comp'ound segment is temporarily strengthened by means of the brace-timbers 11, which rest upon the iiang'es 7 and abut against the inner wall of the inner segmentQ, the central standards or posts 1Q resting upon the braces 11 and ribs formed of the circumferential wooden segments 13 and 14, each rib having a footing' or support upon one of the brace-timbers l1, while 'the center segment 11 rests upon a post 12. These ribs thus form a complete arch in contact with and supporting the segment 2. Arranged transversely on top of the segment are the timbers 15, having suitable connection with the segment, as by bolts 16, and carrying at their outer ends spaced longitudinal timbers 17 and 18, which serve as inner and outer walings and guides for sheet-piling' 19. The outer vtace ot' the walings 17 is in a vertical plane with the vface of the plates 9. Outside ol' and similarly spaced from the plates 9 are arranged similar longitudinal timbers 20, constituting outer guides or walings for the sheetpiling 19. Longitudinal timbers 21 and 2Q are arranged underneath the ends and middle ol the bracetimbers 11, and transversely underneath the timbers 21 and 22 are arranged the timbers Q3, temporarily secured thereto., Upon the timbers Q3 is laid a temporary plank flooring Suitable temporary openings are left in the outer segment L1, through which concrete may be inserted to lill the space between the two walls, and an outer covering' or load 31 ot' concrete is also preferably added to streng then and increase the weight of the structure. For each arch or rootl segment one or more vertical shafts 25 are preferably provided, having air-locks (not shown) and extending snfcientl y high to project above the surface ofthe water when the segment has been anchored in final position. The ends of the segment are also closed by suitable heads or diaphragme 44, so as to serve with the segment and the floor 24 to form atight air-chamber B.

The site of the proposed tunnel may he and usually preferably is partially excavated by dredging, as shown in Fig. 1, forming the shallow channel 27. Along the bed of this channel and within the outer lines of the proposed tunnel are then driven series of piles 28, preferably by means of submerged hammers or by followers, so that the piles shall not interfere with navigation. The piles are then cut off at a suitable level and connected by cross cap-timbers 2.9. The pontoon, with the abovedescribed roof-segment and its associated structure, is then ioated over its iinal position or site. The cables 42 being then attached to eyebolts 26 and carried to derricks (not shown) on adjacent floats serve to support the segment while the pontoon is removed from underneath. The structure is then gradually submerged and lowered by well-known methods until the timbers 21 and 22 rest n pon the cap-timbers 29, the cross-timbers 23 being arranged so as to come between the cap-timbers 29. The flooring 24 is then opened and wholly or partially removed and the air-pressure in the chamber B increased, so as to extend the air-spacedownward nearly as lovs7 as the depending edges of the plates 9 and the tcmporary heads or diaphrag'ms 44 of the segment. Vorkmen can then descend, so as to adjust the position of the segment upon the timbers 29 according to lines and levels previously determined, after which the structure may be anchored to the piles in any suitable manner. The sheet-piling 19 is then driven down in the same manner as the piles 28. The

end of the segment adjacent a previously-anchored segment or completed portion of the tunnel is then connected thereto by any suitable means, such as the bolts 45.

At the oute r or forward end of the roof-segment a suitable temporary bulkhead 46 may be arranged to serve as an inclosing wall for the air-chamber as excavation is carried on. Ingress and egress for workmen and for the carrying of materials are afforded from the chamber through air-locks in the completed portion of the tunnel, as well as through the shaft 25. The material forming the bottom of the air-cham ber is then gradually excavated downward and removed from the chamber.

The timbers 23 are successively detached and lowered to serve, together with the longitudinal walings 30, as inner brace-supports and guides for the sheet-piling 19, the piling being driven from time to time downward with the progress of excavation, so that at all times it projects below the level of the excavation. l/Vhen the sheet piling' has been driven far enoughto enter firmly thesubjacent material, the cross-timbers 15 and walings 17 and 18 may be removed from the structure, and when the piling has been driven to its final or ultimate depth they are bolted or otherwise firmly secured to the roof-segment, and the whole structure may be covered by a filling 40 to serve as additional. load to the structure and as a seal to assist in preventing the inflow into the chamber of air and water. Excavation is carried down to the dotted line 41 in Fig. 2, which indicates the subgrade of the proposed tunnel. The dotted line 39 in this ligure indicates the inner wall of the completed tunnel, corresponding with that of the finishedstructure. (Shownin Fig'. 3.) Whenl excavation has reached the requisite depth, a concrete base or bed 83 is laid around the piles 28, which are then cut off flush with the top thereof, and a waterproof lining 34 is then laid thereover and carried up on the inside of the sheet-piling to the roof-segment above described, the remainder of the false work then being removed. lnside of this waterproof liningis then erected the inner wall or lining 35, of concrete, conforming to the lines 39 of Fig. 2, in the bottom of which are shallow channels 37, adapted to receive ties, ballast, and track-rails and including underneath suitable ducts 36.

1t is evident from the foregoing' description that in the preliminary dredging of the channel, the driving' of the foundation-piles, and the carrying' on of the work of excavating and building the tunnel structure in the air-chamber no parts of the structure, whether temporary or permanent, except the shaft 25, obstruct navigation, and such shafts may be, if necessary, removed as soon as the roof-segment is in position and communication has been established between the chamber underneath and the completed portion of the tunnel. It is also apparent that when the roofsegment has been lowered into place preliminary excavation of rock or other material under water can be carried on toa certain extent by workmen in the air-chamber before the sheet-piling' has been driven'around the sides of the roof-segment and the included space un watered. 1n rock excavation in some instances the sheet-piling may be entirely dispensed with and the underlying rock removed and the tunnel masonry laid in place without unwatering the space.

I claim- 1. In subaqueous tunnel construction, the method which consists in erecting in place successive, longitudinal sections of the tunnelroof, driving sheeting side walls outside of and adjacent yto the lower edges of the roof, forcing air into the chamber thus formed, excavating the included material, and progressively driving said sheeting as the work of excavation advances.

2. In subaqueous tunnel construction, vthe IOO method which consists in erecting longitudinal sections of the tunnel-roof in permanent place, driving sheetpilings alongside the lower edges thereof, unwatering the space underneath such roof-sections and between the sheeting' walls to provide a working' chamber, excavating the material at the bottom of' said chamber and extending' said sheeting walls downward with the progress of said excavation, and completing' the tunnel structure in the excavated space.

3. The method of constructing subaqueous tunnels without interference with navigation thereover, consisting' in first constructing and then submerg'ing into permanent position a section of the tunnel-roof', unwatering the space included within the depending edges of t-he section, excavating the material underneath, progressively driving side walls along the sides of and below the level of the excavation, excavating' the further requisite amount ofI includedl material, and then completing' the tunnel structure within the excavated space.

4. The method of building subaqueous tunnels, which consists in first constructing the tunnel-roof' in sections, then lowering' these severally into permanent position, then driving' sheet-pilings alongside the same, then unwatering' the chamber thus formed, then excavating the included material, and then completing' the tunnel structure in the excavated space.

5. 1n subaqueous tunnel construction, the

method which consists in first setting contignous sections of the roof in permanent position, then driving walls around the same, then forcingair into the chamber thus formed, and excavating' the included material and completing' the tunnel structure in place thereof.

6. Means for constructing a tunnel under water, comprising'a pneumatic working chamber made up of a longitudinal section of the tunnel-roof, with depending' side plates or flanges, a. temporaryv support therefor, guides coacting with said depending plates, and sheetpiling fitting' in said g'uides and adapted to be driven downward to extend said working chamber with the progress of excavation of the included material.

'7. 1n subaqueous-tunnel-construction apparatus, a pneumatic working chamber, comprising a longitudinal section of the tunnelroof with depending' flanges, and means for temporarily supporting said roof in final position over the material to be excavated.

8. Vln subaqueous tunnel construction, the combination of series of piles in the bed of' the tunnel-site, series of longitudinal sections of the tunnel-roof provisionally supported. in final position upon said piles, horizontal transverse beams upon said roof-sections, alining sheeting-guides carried by said transverse beams and the lower edges of said roof-sections, and sheet-piles fitted to said guides and adapted to be driven into the material beneath to constitute inclosingside walls for the tunnel structure.

9. In tunnel construction; a subaqueous working chamber comprising longitudinal sections ofthe tunnel-roof anchored in permanent position above the site to be excavated, guides carried by said roof-sections, depending side flanges on said sections, and downwardly-extensible side walls, consisting' of' sheet-piling slidable in guides upon said roof-sections.

l0. A subaqueous tunnel having' a roof comprising two concentric, interspaced, sheetmetal cylindrical segments, common baseplates for the adjacent edges of the segments, concrete filling' the space between and covering' such segments, vertical plates secured to the outer edges of' said base-plates, long'itudinal guides parallel with and spaced from said vertical plates,and sheetpiling driven between said vertical plates and guides, and permanently secured thereto.

11. In subaqueous tunnel construction, a pneumatic working chamber consisting' of long'itudinal sections of the tunnel-roof anchored in permanent position, and downwardly-extensible side walls.

12. A tunnel structure comprising a double wall, sheet-metal roof with intermediate filling', sheet-piling' walls outside said roof, and masonry base and side walls within said sheeting' walls supporting' said roof.

13. A subaqueousftunnel comprising base and side walls of masonry and a roof made up of interspaced cylindrical metallic segments with concrete filling.

14. A subaqueous tunnel comprising' base and side walls of masonry, with waterproofl lining, a roof of interspaced, cylindrical metallic segments, a concrete filling between said segments, and a concrete lining and covering therefor.

15. A subaqueous tunnel comprising foundation-piles, base and side walls of masonry, a waterproof lining within said base and side walls, va roof thereon comprising a double, cylindrical metallic segment with concrete filling and covering, and a concrete liningI for said roof, side walls and base.

16. rl`he method of' building'subaqueous tunnels, consisting' in first arrang'ing sections of the tunnel-roof in permanent position, then preliminarily excavating' the material beneath, then forcing downward side walls around thc site, then continuing' the excavation of material, and then erecting' the tunnel structure in place.

17. The method of building subaqueous tunnels, consisting' in first arranging' a section of the tunnel-roof in place, then forcing side walls downward around the same, then excavating the included material, and unwatering the space as excavation progresses, and then erecting' the tunnel structure in place.

18. The method of building subaqueous tun- IOO prising a masonry substructure, piling side Walls, and a masonry superstructure having embedded therein a cylindrical segment of sheet metal.

2l. A tunnel of the class described, com-V prising a masonry substructure, inelosing sheeting walls and a, double Wall, sheet-metal roof with intermediate illing.

22. A tunnel having piling side Walls inelosing the substructure and an interfilled double wail, sheet-metal roof.

Signed at New York city this 22d day of October, 190A. l .K

DUNCAN D. MCBEAN. Titn esses:

HENRY W. CLARK, T. D. MERWIN. 

